You are a postpartum doula offering “Sleep Conditioning.” You advised the parents to use a specific swaddle and let the baby fuss for 5 minutes. The baby rolled over, got stuck, and suffered hypoxia. The parents are suing you for wrongful death and negligence, claiming your advice was dangerous. You file a claim, but the adjuster says, “We insure Doulas, not Sleep Consultants.”
Key Takeaways
- Two Different Jobs: Insurance carriers view “Doula” and “Sleep Consultant” as different risk codes. A standard doula policy usually does not cover formal sleep training advice.
- The “Bodily Injury” Trigger: This is a high-stakes claim. If a baby dies or is injured, the payout is in the millions. You cannot rely on a generic policy.
- Methodology Matters: If you use “Cry It Out” (Extinction) and the baby is injured due to vomiting/stress, you will be scrutinized heavily.
- Add-on Required: You almost always need to add “Sleep Consultant” as a specific endorsement to your policy.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Unlisted Modality
I see this panic often. A doula lists “Sleep Training” on her website but only buys “Postpartum Doula” insurance.
Underwriters rate Doulas based on attendance and support. They rate Sleep Consultants based on advice given remotely or overnight. If you are doing sleep consulting (writing plans, coaching parents on intervals) and you haven’t declared it, you are materially misrepresenting your business. The carrier can deny the claim for “Undisclosed Operations.”
The Investigation: Getting Covered for Sleep
I called brokers to see how to properly insure a sleep practice.
1. CM&F Group
- My Analysis: They have a specific dropdown for “Sleep Consultant.”
- The Cost: It usually adds minimal cost (maybe $50/year), but you must select it. If you didn’t check the box, you aren’t covered.
2. BGI (Business Global Insurance – often used by sleep consultants)
- My Analysis: They offer standalone policies for sleep consultants.
- Pros: They understand the specific risks of SIDS/SUID liability better than general doula insurers.
3. Combining Policies
- My Analysis: If you are a doula and a sleep consultant, ensure one policy covers both. Don’t assume.
Comparison Table: Doula vs. Sleep Coverage
| Service Provided | Postpartum Doula Policy | Sleep Consultant Endorsement |
| Overnight Newborn Care | Covered | N/A |
| Writing a Sleep Plan | Not Covered | Covered |
| Remote Sleep Coaching | Not Covered | Covered |
[IMAGE: Screenshot of the ‘Select Your Profession’ screen on an insurance quote focusing on the Sleep Consultant option]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Audit Your Policy: Login to your portal. Look under “Classifications” or “Business Activities.” Does it say “Sleep Consultant”? If not, add it today.
- Separate Contracts: Have a distinct contract for Sleep Consulting. It must have a bold warning: “Client agrees to follow all AAP Safe Sleep guidelines. Consultant never advises unsafe sleep practices.”
- Adhere to AAP Guidelines: If you recommend tummy sleeping or weighted swaddles (which the AAP advises against in 2026), you are arguably negligent. Insurance protects mistakes, not willful disregard of safety standards.
- Remote Work: Ensure your policy covers “Telehealth/Virtual” if you do sleep consulting over Zoom.
FAQ Section
Is ‘Gentle Sleep Coaching’ covered?
Yes, the method matters less than the category. Whether it’s Ferber or Gentle, you need “Sleep Consultant” coverage.
What if I just give tips during a doula shift?
That is likely covered under Postpartum Doula scope. The risk changes when you sell a specific “Sleep Package” or “Plan.”
Can I insure myself if I am not certified?
Some carriers require certification from a recognized sleep school. Others don’t. Check the application questions carefully.